Here are some close ups:

Something that reads solid white.

Maybe remove the appliance garage, but I would not remove the cabinets by hood.

Consider adding a second sink, and if that’s a double bowl, change to single.

Countertops are not a problem.

Emilyam, something like this

Strategery. This kitchen has the tropic brown granite with a marble back splash. What do you think? I like the combination but I'm looking for other options to consider.

I don’t think a marble look alike would be best with your cabinets, although that photo looks good. It would seem like your cabinets and counters come from two different decades.

Emilyyam, I was hoping to also update the kitchen by updating the counter. So you recommend a granite?

No, I was only talking about the counter. Choose a backsplash after your counter is installed. I think you need a white quartz Or corian.

Fori, you voiced my exact feelings. I do like the tropic brown, but I don't love it. What do you think of this Tah Mahal? And using the counter as the back splash too.

Those last pictures are lovely and looks like it may be polished Taj Mahal quartzite. If it is Taj, it's very expensive. As you look at quartz, you're going to find few choices that compliment stained cabinets. Most skew very cool and gray. The exception being, quartz offerings with lots of aggregate that is trying to mimic granite like what you have. That being said, look at LG Soprano or LG Clarino. Also try Corian (formerly Zodiac) Quartz colors Venetia Cream or Marble Mist.

Your cabinets are maple, not cherry or oak.

missenigma, Really? my husband and I couldn't figure out what type of wood our cabinets are. So Kraftmaid maple glazed cabinets. Thank you for the clarification and the recommendations. Yes the above pictures are Taj Mahal. I really haven't seen white granites.

This is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

Your present counters are pretty, but I also prefer lighter countertops.

jhmarie, that is my dilemma. There is something about my current counters that I do like when I see the whole kitchen. It all blends very well. but when I just look at the granite itself, I just don't love it. I also can't visualize a back splash that goes with it The ones I google look like kitchens from the 90s. I want to keep my cabinets and make my kitchen look like those of today. Is that even possible?

I think a lighter counter would really brighten your kitchen and help your woodwork SHINE. Gray I am not seeing, different color families plus gray is over.

You need inspiration images. Google images of kitchens with your cabinet color and see what counters others have paired with them. Start collecting images of what you like and you will learn a lot about what you actually want.

Alaska White granite is much lighter and contains browns and taupes that may pair well with your existing browns.

Keep in mind that if you are going to choose a granite with such presence, your backsplash will probably be an off white ceramic tile. If that’s not what you want, choose a quieter counter material. How will you know whether you want the counter or bs to be the star? Look at your inspiration images....

One question - are the cabinets that flank your range a different color that the surrounding cabinets? If so, now might be a good time to change those cabinet doors.

I demolished perfectly good granite countertops so my customer could install garbage concrete. Never again, not for all the money in the world.

Taj seems like a good bet. Calacatta gold would be good too (real, not quartz.)

eam-I wondered that too..they look red.

I have a busy, dated granite in my kitchen, and while it wouldn’t be my first or 10th choice, I just can’t bring myself to replace it- it seems so wasteful. Not necessarily trying to sway you to keep your counters, but sometimes all it takes is seeing an update done well to make you see your own kitchen in a different light. This kitchen is similar to yours in terms of materials- I think it’s updated very nicely with a handmade subway in an off-white and wall paint (And adding a quartz top to the island).

before

after

I think you can lose the appliance garage. I also like your idea to take down the cabinets next to your range hood. Or at least replace the glass in those.

OP: good suggestions to google/houzz/pinterest your cab color and see what others have done to start to narrow down your likes.

Truly, the only was you will find what you love is: take a door off and go to the stone yard and hold it up and see what you think. we can suggest all we want, but when you go to the stone yard and look at Taj, as an example, t might not work since the color variations are all not exactly the same.

you have a 'warm' kitchen, you need a 'warm' counter. anything that reads mostly gray, more than likely, will be cool and will not work.

as others have suggested: pick your counter first, then B/S. and only one should be the star.

also, are you keeping the 4" b/s? if so, normally, you do not need a tile b/s.

i do agree with you, i would not love that granite. you can re-use in a powder room, make table/end tables/ outdoor side table etc to reuse it.

Katie B., I have googled over and over again backsplashes that go with tropic brown (in an attempt to save the granite) and there isn't much out there.

sprtphntc7a, I am definitely getting rid of the 4 inch backsplash. This really dates the kitchen for me. I also will get rid of the cabinets flanking the stove to open up the kitchen and put a nice backsplash there. I am looking for a light warm granite that maybe I can also use as the backsplash. So a granite that is subtle, not too loud.

I am completely jealous of your kitchen. It's beautiful! I do agree a lighter countertop would open and lighten your space. I would suggest a solid creamy colored quartz - the color of your counter chairs is really nice & you know it already compliments the cabinets. (Don't do a bullnose on the countertop, it allows for drips just roll right on to the floor and it dates the kitchen). For the backsplash use complimentary porcelain tile (cleans easier) mixed with a decorative tile color or different shape. Deco tile can also be the centerpiece at your stove. Multi-color accent tile will allow you to add other colors to your kitchen. Another idea, add pendant lights above the sink and open shelving above the recipe books. Above all - have fun!!

I understand. You’re kind of stuck with some version of Plain white or beige as a backsplash with that granite. Luckily for me that’s my first choice, making updating easier with my finishes.

Here are a few nice ideas

This is taj

This might be too cool, but very nice if it works in your kitchen

Solid white

reneereeves, thank you for the vision!

Katie B. those are great pictures, thank you!